The newly established Wildlife Eco-Epidemiology Lab in the Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department at Utah State University, under the direction of Dr. Jessica Sanchez, is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant (Lab Technician III) to join our team.

Our work spans epidemiology, disease ecology, field biology, and wildlife conservation, with active projects that integrate field research, laboratory analysis, and data science. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to do more than just benchwork. Every day will look a little different, and initiative and adaptability will be highly valued.

The Research Assistant will manage laboratory operations and a specimen archive, assist with field work, maintain large databases, contribute to analyses and reports, and help establish safety protocols and SOPs.  Laboratory duties currently include DNA and RNA extractions from specimens and sample preparation for collaborating labs, but the position also offers the opportunity to help develop in-house molecular biology capacity such as molecular diagnostics and DNA barcoding. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and willing to take on different aspects of projects as needed.

Current projects include an ongoing study of avian botulism in the Great Salt Lake, which may involve fieldwork and day trips to the area.  

U.S. Work Authorization is required. This job is not eligible for H1B sponsorship. A background check will be needed.

Annual (1.0 FTE): $43,000-45,333

0.75 is on-going; the remaining 0.25 FTE is contingent upon funding

1.0 FTE has been secured through June 30, 2027.

The proportion of time spent in each job category will vary based on research project and laboratory needs.

Laboratory:

• Coordinate daily lab operations; set up, maintain, and monitor equipment.
• Maintain supply inventory and place orders as needed.
• Execute experiment plans and directives per instructions, including performing DNA and RNA extractions from wildlife and environmental samples.
• Catalog, organize, and preserve specimens; prepare and collect specimens as directed, including submissions to external laboratories
• May assist in developing and troubleshooting in-house molecular biology protocols.
• Maintain accurate records, including lab notebooks and sample inventories.
• Train and support students and collaborators in laboratory safety and equipment use; may oversee students during lab activities.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety and quality standards for BSL-2(+) laboratories.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces; coordinate repairs with outside personnel as needed.

Research:

• Assist with data collection, database design, management, and continuity across projects.
• Contribute to data cleaning, analysis, and wildlife disease surveillance projects.
• Assist with research proposals, permits, reports, and project deliverables.
• Support research activities of students and postdocs.
• May contribute to statistical analysis, data summaries, and manuscript preparation as directed.

Field:

• Expect occasional long workdays, including evenings and weekends.
• Support projects involving capture and sampling of live wildlife, sampling of deceased wildlife, environmental sampling, and survey design.

Other:

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, wildlife sciences, or related field, and one year of work experience in research (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Comfort and willingness to handle live and deceased wildlife under supervision and with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, wildlife sciences, or related field.
• Two or more years of research experience
• Experience handling and restraining wildlife in field settings or assisting with carcass sampling or necropsy.
• Experience working in BSL-2 laboratories, including routine safety practices, waste management, and incident reporting.
• Ability to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular biology protocols.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, and/or R for data organization and analysis
• Experience with organizing, cleaning, and manipulating large data sets and preparing summaries of the data.
• Familiarity with geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) data workflows.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or technical reports

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of biosafety practices and requirements applicable to BSL-2 laboratories, including safe sample handling, labeling, storage, and decontamination procedures.
• Ability to follow written SOPs for molecular biology protocols and other standard lab tasks, and to maintain complete records.
• Demonstrated skills with office and data tools, including spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and basic statistical software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks.
• Team-oriented mindset with clear verbal and written communication.
• Adaptability to changing field and lab conditions and eagerness to learn new skills and techniques.
• Reliable, professional, and able to work collegially with a diverse group of collaborators.
• Proactive in managing tasks while exercising good judgment on when to seek guidance or approval.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

3. Writing Samples to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

This position requires moderate physical activity, including the handling of average weight objects up to 50 pounds and/or standing or walking more than four hours per day. Employees are exposed to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. The work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The Lab Technician III (Research Associate) will be joining the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at an exciting point of transformation. In 2022 the state of Utah approved the creation of a full four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program at USU. The CVM has received approval through its accrediting agency, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, to admit its inaugural class of 40 students in the fall of 2025, and cohorts of 80 veterinary students in subsequent years. The new college is the only veterinary medical education program in Utah. The CVM is dedicated to providing top-tier education and training to the next generation of veterinarians. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to excellence in veterinary care. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025